Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!

As a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, you know your magic! This week we’re putting your Disney Parks history knowledge to the test to see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

Who bought the first admission ticket to Disneyland?

Correct! Wrong!

On the historic day of the park’s opening to the general public, July 18, 1955, Roy O. Disney purchased the first admission ticket to Disneyland. (The grand opening on July 17 had been for invited guests only; no admission was charged.)

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!
You are the ultimate Disney fan!
Looks like you are a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge. We’ll see you next week for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!
Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!
Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We’ll see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

Everything You Need to Know About Disney at San Diego Comic-Con

By Alison Stateman

San Diego Comic-Con is almost here, and Disney is in the house! The Walt Disney Company has a large footprint at the annual pop-culture and entertainment extravaganza taking place at the San Diego Convention Center from Thursday, July 21, through Sunday, July 24.

With a host of panels, appearances, photo-ops, screenings, and special announcements from Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios, Marvel, and Hulu, we’ve got a roundup of some of the can’t-be-missed offerings. D23 will be on-site as well, to chronicle the epic gathering and host an epic dance party for the Disney fan in all of us.

Read on for a preview of convention highlights.

Thursday, July 21

Abbott Elementary Immersive Fan Experience
Abbott Elementary makes its San Diego Comic-Con debut with an immersive fan experience, “New Teacher Dis-Orientation,” in partnership with Hulu + Live TV.

Kicking off on Thursday, July 21, in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, fans will have the chance to walk the halls of Abbott Elementary, earning their very own staff credentials via experiential set recreations. Fans can channel their inner Principal Ava by striking a pose behind her official desk or pay a visit to Janine’s classroom for the opportunity to contribute to real teachers in need through curated Scholastic ClassroomsCount™ wish lists. The “New Teacher Dis-Orientation” activation will also feature original art submitted by fans via the official Abbott Elementary Fan Art Contest, in addition to screenings of fan-favorite episodes, live performances, and more. San Diego Comic-Con passholders are also invited to join the cast and executive producers for a live screening and virtual panel discussion in the Indigo Ballroom later that afternoon.

Bringing Back Marvel Classics for Today’s Readers for All Ages
10–11 a.m., Room 28DE

Sven Larsen (vice president, licensed publishing, Marvel Entertainment), Charles Kochman (editorial director, Abrams ComicArts), Andrew Smith (senior vice president, publisher, Abrams Children’s Books and ComicArts), and Matthew Reinhart (New York Times bestselling paper engineer) discuss the legacy of classic Marvel Comics and how books for readers of all ages are bringing classic characters and storylines to a new generation. The panel will provide a sneak preview of new releases such as Alex Ross’s Fantastic Four: Full Circle; Marvel Classic Black Light Collectible Poster Portfolio; and The Uncanny X-Men Trading Cards, as well as other recent Marvel releases published by Abrams. Reinhart will share pages from his upcoming book Marvel Super Heroes: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book.

Nathan Fillion and Niecy Nash-Betts draw their guns and shine their flashlights in a tense scene from The Rookie.

Nathan Fillion and Niecy Nash-Betts: ABC’s The Rookie and The Rookie: Feds
10:45–11:45 a.m., Ballroom 20

Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly) and Niecy Nash-Betts (Claws, Reno 911) join executive producers Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter to discuss how worlds will collide when The Rookie franchise expands with The Rookie: Feds, coming to ABC this fall. Moderated by Damian Holbrook (senior writer, TV Guide magazine).

Abbott Elementary Class in Session
1:30–2:30 p.m., Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Star and executive producer Quinta Brunson and stars Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph join executive producers Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker for a live virtual panel to discuss the breakout hit series ahead of its season two return on ABC this fall. Moderated by Marcus Jones (awards editor, TV & Film at IndieWire).

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
2:15–3:15 p.m., Room 6BCF

The cast and creative team of Disney Branded Television’s highly anticipated animated series Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, based on Marvel’s hit comic books, hold a conversation about this innovative action-comedy series centered on African American teen girl Super Hero Lunella Lafayette. Panelists include actors voicing series characters including Diamond White (Lunella/Moon Girl) Sasheer Zamata (Adria), Libe Barer (Casey), and Fred Tatasciore (Devil Dinosaur), executive producer Steve Loter (Kim Possible), supervising producer Rodney Clouden (Futurama), and producer Pilar Flynn (Elena of Avalor). Premiering in 2023 on Disney Channel and Disney+, the panel is moderated by Janine Rubenstein (editor-at-large, PEOPLE magazine and host of the podcast PEOPLE Every Day).

National Treasure: Edge of History
2:15–3:15 p.m., Ballroom 20

The cast and executive producers share an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Disney+ Original series National Treasure: Edge of History, an expansion of the hit film franchise. Series regulars Lisette Olivera, Jake Austin Walker, Antonio Cipriano, Jordan Rodrigues, Zuri Reed, and Lyndon Smith and executive producers Cormac Wibberley and Marianne Wibberley gather to discuss this upcoming action-adventure series.

Koala Man
6–7 p.m, Room 6BCF

From the creators of Rick and Morty and Pokémon Detective Pikachu, Koala Man makes its debut at Comic-Con with creator, executive producer, and the Koala himself, Michael Cusack, and executive producers Justin Roiland, Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, and Michael Cowap. Learn what the suburban Aussie superhero is all about as the team discusses the Hulu series’ premiere, breaking news, and more.

A Decade of Disneybounding
6–7 p.m., Room 25ABC

It’s been a decade since Leslie Kay (author of Disney Publishing’s DisneyBound: Dress Disney and Make It Fashion) launched her viral blog The Disneybound, which has since evolved into an internationally recognized fashion trend and community, re-creating and celebrating their favorite Disney characters through everyday fashion. Disneybound pros Kelsey Walmer, Erika Kurzawa, Tiffany Sutton, Logan Allison, Dolly Genovese, Tiffie Starchild, Michael Louie, and Dominique Brown share tips and tricks for diving into Disneybounding.

The Her Universe Fashion Show
6–8 p.m. Harbor Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt

The 8th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show returns to the Manchester Grand Hyatt. This fashion competition features 25 competing designers who are vying for the winning opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe for Hot Topic. Two winners—an audience favorite and a judges’ winner—will be chosen by the end of the night. The show is presented by Her Universe and Hot Topic and will be hosted by Her Universe founder, actress, and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, who originated the role of Ahsoka and has costarred in shows including Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Solar Opposites
7:15–8:15 p.m., Room 6BCF

Solar Opposites co-creators and executive producers Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan, with executive producers Josh Bycel and Danielle Uhlarik, will discuss the newly released season three on Hulu and what the aliens are up to later this year. Accompanied by cast members Thomas Middleditch, Sean Giambrone, and Mary Mack, this discussion is sure to be otherworldly.

Members of The Proud Family gather happily on the couch.

Friday, July 22

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
1–2 p.m., Room 6A

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder creator and executive producer Bruce W. Smith and executive producer Ralph Farquhar, both of whom led the original series The Proud Family, and series stars Kyla Pratt (Penny) ), JoMarie Payton (Suga Mama), Paula Jai Parker (Trudy), Soleil Moon Fry (Zoey), and Alisa Reyes (LaCienega) discuss the revival of the groundbreaking animated series The Proud Family and share a behind-the-scenes look at the first season, moderated by Janine Rubenstein (editor-at-large, PEOPLE magazine and host of the podcast PEOPLE Every Day).

 

The cover of Spider-Man Amazing Fantasy No. 15

60 Years of Spider-Man: A This Week in Marvel Special Event
3–4 p.m., Room 25ABC

Ryan Penagos (aka Agent M, vice president and creative executive) and Nick Lowe (vice president and executive editor) are joined by the one-and-only Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man, Fantastic Four) and other surprise guests for a very special live episode of the This Week in Marvel podcast! Ring in the 60th year of Spider-Man with Amazing Fantasy No. 15, and see what dangers lurk at the Edge of Spider-Verse!

Marvel Comics: Marvel Fanfare
4–5 p.m. Room 25ABC

C.B. Cebulski, editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, answers fans burning questions! Come to inquire about everything and anything you ever wanted to know about the Marvel Universe. What is the wackiest version of Spider-Man from across the multiverse? Does the Illuminati have a poker night? Which Marvel editors would survive Judgment Day? You’ll never know for sure unless you attend this panel! Featuring special guest TBA—and an exciting giveaway!

The Great North
7–8 p.m., Room 6BCF

The Tobin family hosts a hilarious conversation about their outrageous Alaskan adventures on FOX’s hit animated series The Great North. Creators and executive producers Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, executive producer Loren Bouchard, and stars Nick Offerman, Dulcé Sloan, Paul Rust, Aparna Nancherla, and Ron Funches discuss what’s to come and preview the upcoming third season with exclusive clips, breaking news, and special appearances from star Jenny Slate and more.

D23 Derezzed— A TRON 40th Dance Party
7:30–11 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.) House of Blues – Music Hall, San Diego

D23 Gold Members and General Members are invited to celebrate 40 years of TRON at an epic dance party with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. Tickets include admission, one beer or wine drink voucher, light snacks and sweets, a lightband to help set The Grid aglow, and a commemorative keepsake upon departure.

Saturday, July 23

Disney’s The Ghost and Molly McGee Fan Enhappification Panel
10–11 a.m.,  Room 6A

Creators/executive producers Bill Motz and Bob Roth and executive producer Steve Loter hold a joyful celebration of this Disney Channel original series. Cast and crew will talk about their favorite moments, songs, and behind-the-scenes stories from season one, along with some fan surprises and hints at what’s to come in season two!

Bart Simpson rides his bike, with Millhouse in the center, and his sister Lisa, who eats a hamburger on her pink bike with flowered basket.

The Simpsons
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Ballroom 20

Simpsons writers, animators, and special guest moderator, Gravity Falls creator and Simpsons superfan Alex Hirsch, reveal the adventures planned for The Simpsons in Season 34 and beyond! Take a sneak peek at “Treehouse of Horror XXXIII”—and the never-before-attempted bonus Halloween episode! That’s right—twoHalloweens in 2022! Secrets will be revealed! Games will be played! And freebies—including original artwork—will be given away! Live in person for the first time since 2019. Come and be astounded at how we let ourselves go!

American Dad!
12:30–1:15 p.m.,  Ballroom 20

It’s a Smith Family Funday with Steve (Scott Grimes), Klaus (Dee Bradley Baker), and Jeff Fisher (Jeff Fischer) plus executive producer and co-creator Matt Weitzman, executive producer Joe Chandler, and co-executive producer Nicole Shabtai. Moderated by American Dad alum Jordan Blum, who will treat American Dad fans to a first look at scenes from all-new episodes coming soon to TBS.

The Mandalorian: Under the Helmet
1–2 p.m., Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

The Mandalorian is a complicated character—a loner who becomes a loving caretaker, a bounty hunter who learns compassion. Host Melissa Miller (Nerdist, Star Warsologies) talks with experts about the man behind the mask, including actor Chris Bartlett (The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett) who ties it all together with his experience playing mercenaries, teachers, and bartenders in Star Wars.

Family Guy
1:15–1:45 p.m., Ballroom 20

Get an exclusive first look at the Family Guy season 21 premiere episode and watch the full episode months before the rest of the world. Afterward, you will get a special sneak peek at all of the hilarity and high jinks that will be coming next fall!

Marvel Comics: Judgment Day
1:45–2:45 p.m., Room 6A

Nick Lowe (executive editor) and C.B. Cebulski (editor-in-chief) prepare to pass judgment on their fellow panelists, including Adam Kubert (Wolverine), David Pepose (Fantastic Four), and other Mighty Marvel guests! With the Eve of Judgment already behind us, join this can’t-miss discussion about what trials and tribulations are just around the corner for the Avengers, X-Men, Eternals, and the rest of the Marvel Universe.

Marvel Comics: Next Big Thing
3–4 p.m.,  Room 6A

Marvel’s most famous panel returns! C.B. Cebulski (editor-in-chief), Nick Lowe (vice president and executive editor), and editors Darren Shan and Lauren Bisom lead a line-up of luminaries including Christopher Cantwell (Iron Man), Ram V (Venom, Carnage), and Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing (Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty). What lies ahead for Shang-Chi, Ms. Marvel, Ant-Man, Ghost Rider, and the rest of the Marvel Universe? And what is the mysterious looming danger of the Dark Web that threatens the future of Spider-Man and the X-Men? This is the only place you can find out. Come for the incredible reveals and stay for a unique giveaway!

The crew of the U.S.S. Orville sit aboard their ship, at full attention.

The Orville: New Horizons
3–3:45 p.m., Ballroom 20

From Emmy Award–winning executive producer and creator Seth MacFarlane, The Orville is finally back for season three and on Hulu. The full crew of the U.S.S. Orville—Penny Johnson Jerald, Scott Grimes, Peter Macon, Jessica Szohr, J Lee, Anne Winters, Mark Jackson, and Chad L. Coleman—plus executive producers David A. Goodman and Brannon Braga and co-producer Tom Constantino—talk on all things Orville and offer an exclusive first look at an upcoming episode from season three.

Costumes of Obi-Wan Kenobi
4:30–5:30 p.m. Room 10

Costume designer Suttirat Larlarb will discuss what went into reimagining the legendary Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Star Wars universe. She will be joined by her team: Stacia Lang (assistant costume designer), Elise Drozdowski (fabric buyer), and Jennifer Connell (costumer). Moderated by Amy Ratcliffe (author, The Jedi Mind, Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy).

Marvel Studios
5–6 p.m., Hall H

Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Hamster & Gretel
6:45–7:45 p.m. Room 6A

The cast and creative team behind Disney Channel's Hamster & Gretel present a first look at the hilarious new Super Hero series before it premieres. Renowned animation veteran and creator Dan Povenmire, co-creator of the hit series Phineas and Ferb, will be joined by co-producer and story editor Joanna Hausmann and select cast members for a discussion about the world and the characters of this new music-filled animated series, moderated by actress and comedian Liza Koshy.

Sunday, July 24

Women of Marvel
10:30–11:30 a.m.,  Room 6A

The Women of Marvel are here! Writer and podcast host Angélique Roché will lead a lively discussion with Marvel stars including senior editor Lauren Bisom, author Nic Stone (Shuri: A Black Panther Novel), and other Mighty Marvel Guests! What is it like for women working in the industry today, and what is next for Marvel’s woman-led titles? And don’t miss a special giveaway at the end of the panel!

Mayans M.C. Screening and Q&A
12–1 p.m., Hall H

Described by The Playlist as “one of the best series on TV,” FX’s fuel-injected drama series Mayans M.C. returns to Comic-Con for a special screening and a live conversation with Elgin James (co-creator/executive producer/director/writer) and series stars JD Pardo (EZ Reyes), Clayton Cardenas (Angel Reyes), Danny Pino (Miguel Galindo), Sarah Bolger (Emily Thomas), Emilio Rivera (Marcus Alvarez), Michael Irby (Obispo “Bishop” Losa), Raoul Max Trujillo (Che “Taza” Romero), Frankie Loyal (Hank “Tranq” Loza), Joseph Lucero (Neron “Creeper” Vargas), Vincent Vargas (Gilberto “Gilly” Lopez), Gino Vento (Nestor Oceteva), and JR Bourne (Isaac Packer). Mayans M.C. follows the life of Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes, a member of the Mayans M.C. charter on the Cali/Mexi border. Moderated by IndieWire’s Jim Hemphill.

What We Do in the Shadows (FX) Exclusive Screening and Q&A
1:15-2:15 p.m. Hall H

FX’s What We Do in the Shadows brings the World’s Greatest Vampire Nightclub to San Diego! Mix it up with the hottest vampires (and their familiar) to come out of Staten Island in hundreds and hundreds of years! Appearing (subject to change): Kayvan Novak (Nandor), Matt Berry (Laszlo), Natasia Demetriou (Nadja), Harvey Guillén (Guillermo), Mark Proksch (Colin Robinson), and Kristen Schaal (The Guide), as well as Paul Simms (executive producer/writer), Stefani Robinson (executive producer/writer), Yana Gorskaya (co-EP/director/editor), and Kyle Newacheck (co-EP/director). Be among the first humans to set eyes on a brand new episode.

Meet the Characters of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 3!

By Sarah Sterling

Season three of the award-winning Disney+ Original series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is just a week away! Some of our favorite Wildcats are heading to Camp Shallow Lake for summer camp and there will be plenty of fresh faces to meet as the campers prepare an over-the-top production of Frozen, all while participating in a behind-the-scenes docu-series on the making of their show.

Fan favorites like Ricky Bowen (Joshua Bassett), Gina Porter (Sofia Wylie), E.J. Caswell (Matt Cornett), and Kourtney Green (Dara Reneé) will return this season, with Nini Salazar-Roberts (Olivia Rodrigo) returning as a recurring character, and Big Red (Larry Saperstein), and Seb Matthew-Smith (Joe Serafini) appearing as guest stars. Let’s get to know the handful of new players before you stream the series on Wednesday, July 27!

Matt Cornett (left) and Meg Donnelly (right) in front of a red show curtain. Cornett is standing with his hands behind his back and is wearing a light blue tank top that has a Camp Shallow Lake logo on it in brown. Donnelly is gesturing toward Cornett with a big smile on her face. She has a clipboard in her right hand, as if she is organizing something for their performance. She is wearing high-waisted jeans and a purple and yellow floral print top.

Val (played by Meg Donnelly)
ZOMBIES star Meg Donnelly makes her High School Musical: The Musical: The Series debut as camp counselor-in-training, Val. Val has been a camper at Camp Shallow Lake for a long time, but she’s older now, in college, and ready to tackle the job of choreographing the group’s production of Frozen. Val is already friends with one of our East High pals, E.J. Caswell. Val and E.J. have known each other since they were little kids and grew up going to Camp Shallow Lake together every summer.

A headshot image of Jason Earles. He has short brown hair styles into a point at his forehead. He has some stubble and bright blue eyes. He is wearing a bright blue, almost cyan, dress shirt and a checkered blue and yellow tie.

Dewey Wood (played by Jason Earles)
Fans of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana will be thrilled to see Jason Earles in this season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series as Dewey Wood, Camp Shallow Lake’s strict camp director. The exact opposite of laid-back, goofy Jackson Stewart, Dewey Wood is the no-nonsense backbone of the camp and is known to be a “killjoy.”

Co-star Corbin Bleu says that working with Earles created meta layers in the show. Bleu plays himself and Earles plays a fictional character, but pointedly brings up that Earles has been coaching the series cast since season one. “I find it very hard to explain the show sometimes. When I’m trying to explain what’s happening this season, I tell people just watch it. Watch it. It’ll make sense,” says Bleu of this Inception-like plotline.

Corbin Bleu stands confidently with his arms outstretched and a huge smile on his face. His black hair is short and faded. He has on black pants, a black shirt, and a black leather jacket. He seems to be standing in a camp recreation center, with one camper blurry, but visible behind him.

Corbin Bleu (as himself)
He’s back! But this time not as Chad Danforth, the musical-averse jock who majored in vacation. Bleu returns to the High School Musical franchise this season as… himself! Bleu surprises the kids at Camp Shallow Lake when he arrives to announce they will be the first camp in the world to put on a production of Frozen. Bleu will serve as a mentor to the Wildcats this season and, while his character may be a little jaded by the entertainment industry, we have hope that the campers will help him remember his roots and reignite his passion for performing.

Saylor Bell as Maddox in a still from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 3. Maddox is standing alone on an outdoor stage under a sign that reads “Camp Shallow Lake.” She is smiling out at the audience and casually holding her blue acoustic guitar, which is hanging around her shoulders. She is wearing a gray and pink camouflage pattern hoodie, navy blue jogger pants, and slip-on shoes with rainbow socks. She looks as if she just finished a performance.

Maddox (played by Saylor Bell)
Maddox is the chipper and enthusiastic “techie” behind the scenes of Camp Shallow Lake’s performance of Frozen. She is a camp regular and feels very at-home and in control at Camp Shallow Lake. Saylor Bell describes Maddox as “this high-energy, ready to go, ready to have everything put on track kind of kid… which kind of falls apart, slowly, as time goes on.” We can’t wait to see how Maddox handles the hurdles thrown her way when the Wildcats arrive for the summer. 

A headshot image of Adrian Lyles (Jet). Lyles is standing against a wooden wall with his arms crossed in front of him. He isn’t smiling and has a serious expression on his face. He has short, dark, curly hair and is wearing a bleach-spotted denim jacket over a black Hawaiian shirt with palm trees and beach shacks on it.

Jet (played by Adrian Lyles)
Jet is known as the mystery kid of Camp Shallow Lake. No one knows a lot about him because he keeps to himself and is reluctant to participate in camp activities—sometimes even downright annoyed by the idea.

“He must have been dragged here kicking and screaming because, mostly in the beginning, he cannot stand it,” says Adrian Lyles, who plays Jet. “He gets looser and sort of starts to enjoy himself rather than forcing this situation to be a bad thing.”

Jojo Siwa as Madison in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. She is sitting on a wooden swing that has colorful lights wrapped around the side ropes. She is wearing a gold, bedazzled pantsuit, a pink ruffled dress shirt underneath, with hot pink bowtie and cummerbund. Jojo’s long blonde hair is style in loose curls and she is smiling at someone off-camera and grabbing the sides of the swing with both hands.

Madison (played by JoJo Siwa)
Superstar JoJo Siwa joins the cast this season as Madison, a Camp Shallow Lake alum. Details about Siwa’s character and what she does this season are still shrouded in mystery. We hope she gets to show off her incredible singing and dancing skills, maybe joining Bleu in ment­­oring the campers as they rehearse their production of Frozen. No matter what she does, we can’t wait to see Siwa shine!

Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits outside in a lounge chair with his legs crossed. He is looking over an empty fire pit at Olivia Rodrigo who is facing away from the camera. Rodrigo is wearing a denim dress and white sneakers and her long brown hair is half up. Ferguson is wearing light blue jeans, a blue plaid shirt, and a casual black jacket. He has one hand in the air as he talks to Rodrigo. The setting feels like a private home and doesn’t seem to be at Camp Shallow Lake. There is a half full glass of amber liquid in front of Ferguson and there is lots of foliage behind him.

Marvin (played by Jesse Tyler Ferguson)
You’ll recognize Tony® Award-winning actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson from ABC’s Modern Family, where he played Mitchell Pruitt for over 10 years. Ferguson joins the third season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series as Marvin, a family-friend of Nini’s. In the season three trailer, Nini explains to Miss Jenn (Kate Reinders) that she feels like “something big” is coming—could Marvin be there to help Nini navigate her next step?

A group of campers during a “Color War” scene from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. There are multiple rows of campers sitting on yellow beams and they are all wearing yellow. In the front row, from left to right, you see Adrian Lyles, Saylor Bell, Frankie Rodriguez, and Dara Reneé. They are cheering, clapping, and singing. Campers behind them are holding signs that say “Hello Yellow,” “Yellow is #1”, and “Yellow All the Way”. Meg Donnelly is on the right side of the image in a denim jumpsuit and holding a mic.

Alex (played by Aria Brooks) and Emmy (played by Liamani Segura), and Channing (played by Ben Stillwell)
Rounding out our cast of new characters is Alex (played by Aria Brooks), an eighth grader who is auditioning for the musical at Camp Shallow Lake for the first time. Alex’s best friend is Emmy (played by Liamani Segura) who is also eager to audition for the summer musical. Finally, Channing (played by Ben Stillwell) is the cameraman for the behind-the-scenes docuseries being produced at Camp Shallow Lake alongside the production of Frozen.

We can’t wait to see what shenanigans our old pals and new campers get up to this season in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, streaming July 27 on Disney+! ­­­It’s not too late to catch up on the first two seasons of this show, both available to stream now on Disney+. 

 

D23 Inside Disney Sets Sail on Disney Cruise Line

In October 2018, D23 brought Disney at Sea with D23 to Disney Cruise Line, an interactive live show that immersed guests in all the biggest news and newest content from the worlds of Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and, of course, Disney.

We are excited to share that the show has been reimagined as D23 Inside Disney at Sea, taking the stand-out elements of the show guests enjoyed and adding a dash of pep from the popular podcast.

Available on many sailings, D23 Inside Disney at Sea features an in-person host sharing everything from eye-popping trailers and concept art for new Disney Parks attractions to surprising facts and behind-the-scenes details about new and upcoming projects—and there just might be an appearance from the D23 Inside Disney hosts as well!

The show is updated each month so even Castaway Club members may have a hard time seeing the same show twice! Check your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app when you board your next cruise to see if the show is on your sailing.

And when not onboard, be sure to check out the D23 Inside Disney podcast for the latest news and interviews with Disney’s brightest stars.

Your Taika Waititi Streaming Roundup!

By Sarah Sterling

To celebrate Waititi’s second directorial adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Love and Thunder, we thought it would be worthwhile to explore all the whimsical, hilarious, and rollicking projects he’s been a part of within the worlds of Disney and 20th Century Fox.

So, strap in and Taika look at these movies and shows directed by—or starring—Waititi, because there’s so much Thor to love than just his MCU projects.

Taika Waititi, Utkarsh Ambudkar, and Joe Keery stand facing each other in a sleek, modern office setting, in Free Guy. Waititi has on a long trench coat made of multiple materials, including denim. He is resting casually against the side of a cubicle and is looking at Keery, whose character is speaking. Keery is holding a laptop at his side and is wearing a black polo shirt. In the middle is Ambudkar who is wearing an unbuttoned baseball jersey over a white tank top and black jeans with red lining.

Free Guy (2021)
Set within an open-world video game, 20th Century Studios’ Free Guy follows a non-playable character named Guy (Ryan Reynolds) who realizes he can alter the game, Free City, by breaking free of his programming and participating as a hero character. Simultaneously, in our world, struggling game developer Millie (Jodie Comer) discovers that Free City utilizes the propriety coding created for her own game, Life Itself. Millie and her friend Keys (Joe Keery) must prove that Antwan (Waititi)—the ruthless CEO of Soonami Studios and creator of Free City—stole Millie’s code before he resets the game and reverts Guy to his factory settings.

Stream Free Guy on Disney+

A promotional banner for What We Do in the Shadows on FX. The image is bathed in a purple glowing light and features the bottom half of the faces of four characters, three of which are vampires and one which is a human wearing fake, neon green vampire teeth. The human character is on the far left and his fake teeth are falling out of his mouth. In the middle are two men with beards baring their fangs. On the far right is a woman also showing her fangs and wearing an ornate earring. The show’s title is written in the bottom right corner in cyan font.

What We Do in the Shadows (2019)
Based on the feature film he co-created with Jemaine Clement, What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary television series produced by Waititi following the lives of vampire roommates living together in Staten Island. If you enjoy light horror and a classic fish-out-of-water story, this show should absolutely be on your watchlist! We find it endlessly hilarious to watch this cast of bloodsuckers make their way in the modern human world, and Waititi himself appears in multiple episodes as a Viago, a member of the Vampiric Council and protagonist from the What We Do in the Shadows film.

The IG-11 droid from The Mandalorian stands front and center with both mechanical arms outstretched holding blasters. Behind the droid there are bodies on the ground and one stormtrooper approaching. IG-11 wears a double-breasted holster across the center of its body.

The Mandalorian (2019)
We are all anxiously awaiting more news on Waititi’s directorial debut in the world of Star Wars—but until then, fans can find him in an unlikely place: voicing the droid IG-11 in multiple episodes of The Mandalorian season one. IG-11 is a bounty hunter droid programmed to track down and eliminate our favorite little force-user, Grogu. Luckily, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) stops him from completing his mission and IG-11 is later reprogrammed to be an ally to him and Grogu.

Stream The Mandalorian on Disney+

Korg (Taika Waititi), a gigantic greyish blue rock creature called a Kronan, sits on the ground against a wall and waves one hand pleasantly towards the camera in Thor: Ragnarok. He is wearing a kilt and large metal armor across his body and over his left shoulder. He is leaning against a brown wall with white accents and details and graffiti written in an alien language.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
The third installation in the Thor saga follows Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) as they escape their mysterious sister, Hela (Cate Blanchett), to the planet Sakaar. There, they reunite with Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) in a gladiator-like Contest of Champions. Together with the help of Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Korg (Waititi), they defeat Hela and save Asgardian civilization before their home planet is destroyed. Waititi was praised for infusing Thor’s story with humor, heart, and new characters that fans have fallen in love with—including Waititi’s own character, a creature made of rocks called a Kronan, who finds a new home amongst the Asgardians and later joins Thor and the Guardians of the Galaxy in their travels.

Stream Thor: Ragnarok on Disney+

Korg (Taika Waititi) sits on Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) couch in a Hawaiian shirt, holding a video game controller and wearing a headset, in Avengers: Endgame. He is raising his right arm in a wave towards characters off-camera who are greeting him. To his left is another alien creature, Miek, a worm-like being from Sakaar. To Miek’s left is an open box of pepperoni pizza.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The next time we see Korg is in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame where he is keeping a very depressed Thor company in New Asgard. Thor’s become a recluse following the events of Avengers: Infinity War and blames himself for not being able to stop Thanos (Josh Brolin) and prevent “The Blip.” Eventually, he finds himself and the will to keep fighting—and Korg is there for the entire journey, even joining the Avengers in the Battle of Earth where Thanos is finally defeated.

Stream Avengers: Endgame on Disney+

Buzz Lightyear’s team in Lightyear sits inside their vehicle in large, bulky space suits. Buzz is at the helm, holding the steering wheel and talking into the recorder on his armpiece. Next to him is Izzy Hawthorne with Sox the robot cat in her lap. In the back seat of the vehicle is Mo Morrison staring out the window and on his right is Dale, who looks grumpy.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) & Lightyear (2022)
Catch Korg’s latest appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder, now in theaters! But you can also see—or rather hear—Waititi right now in another theatrical Disney release: Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear! In the film, Waititi voices the bumbling but well-intentioned Mo Morrison, a new recruit who is reluctantly eager to assist Buzz in his mission. Lightyear will be available for streaming on Disney+ starting August 3. Keep an eye on D23.com and our social channels for more information on when Thor: Love and Thunder will be available for purchase or streaming on Disney+.

Stream Lightyear on Disney+

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in August 2022

By Zach Johnson

Disney+ just announced its listings for August, and we couldn’t stream—er, dream—of a better lineup. The fun begins Wednesday, August 3, with a new installment of Marvel Studios Assembled, taking fans behind the scenes of Ms. Marvel, starring Iman Vellani. Two days later, Lucasfilm and the LEGO Group’s animated special LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation will premiere. It centers on Finn (voiced by Omar Miller), who has arranged a surprise vacation for his friends aboard the Halcyon Galactic Starcruiser! Things go awry when he’s separated from the group. Alone onboard the Halcyon, Finn encounters three Force Spirits—Obi-Wan Kenobi (voiced by James Arnold Taylor), Anakin Skywalker (voiced by Matt Lanter), and Princess Leia (voiced by Shelby Young)—who each share their own surprising stories of vacations gone wrong.

Wednesday, August 10, marks the debut of I Am Groot, a collection of five original shorts starring Baby Groot. Watch as Baby Groot takes center stage in his own series, exploring his glory days growing up—and getting into trouble—among the stars. Speaking of Marvel, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law will debut Thursday, August 18. It stars Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters, an attorney specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases, who must navigate the complicated life of a single, 30-something who also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. The nine-episode comedy series features Marvel Cinematic Universe veterans Mark Ruffalo (Smart Hulk), Tim Roth (Emil Blonsky/the Abomination), and Benedict Wong (Wong), as well as Jameela Jamil, Josh Segarra, Ginger Gonzaga, Jon Bass, and Renée Elise Goldsberry.

New episodes of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series will roll out weekly. Speaking of musicals, enjoy sing-along versions of Disney films, from Beauty and the Beast (1991) to The Lion King (2019). New episodes of Alice’s Wonderland Bakery, Bluey, and The Ghost and Molly McGee will be added throughout the month, and Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear will make its streaming debut on Wednesday, August 3. Disney+ will also add to its library fan-favorite films and series including black-ish (Season 8), Father of the Bride, and Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge (Season 1).

All the titles coming to Disney+ in August are listed below:

Left to right: Director Adil El Arbi, actress Iman Vellani, and director Bilall Fallah post on the set of Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel. Adil and Bilall are both wearing black suits with white shirts, and sitting in director’s chairs, while Iman is suited up as Ms. Marvel. They are in Kamala Khan’s bedroom, which is adorned with neon lights, doodles, and stickers; it’s essentially a shrine to super heroes.

Wednesday, August 3
Alice’s Wonderland Bakery (Season 1, 5 Episodes)
The Ghost and Molly McGee (Season 1, 5 Episodes)
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Episode 302: “Into the Unknown”)
Lightyear
Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Ms. Marvel (Premiere)

In the foreground, Finn is wearing brown pants and a white and blue printed Hawaiian shirt over a white undershirt. His hands are outstretched as he leads a group discussion. In the background are Rey, Chewbacca, and C-3PO.

Friday, August 5
LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation (Premiere)
The Lion King (2019) (Sing-Along Version)
The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (Sing-Along Version)
Old Dogs

Wednesday, August 10
Bluey (Season 3, 25 episodes)
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Episode 303: “The Woman in the Woods”)
I Am Groot (Premiere) (All Shorts Streaming)
Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge (Season 1)

A man, played by Disney Legend Steve Martin, walks his daughter, played by Kimberly Williams, down the aisle. He is wearing a classic tuxedo and she is wearing a lacy wedding gown and a delicate veil. She is carrying white flowers. The church pews are lined with white and pink roses and lilies.

Friday, August 12
Disney Summer Magic Quest
Father of the Bride
Father of the Bride Part II

Jennifer Walters, played by Tatiana Maslany, stands in a courtroom with her hands crossed. She is wearing a gray suit, but the right sleeve has been ripped and is exposing her white pinstripe shirt. In the background, a photo on the wall is askew, and other members of the court are looking at her with confused expressions on their faces.

Wednesday, August 17
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Episode 304: “No Drama”)
Meet Spidey and his Amazing Friends (Season 2)

Thursday, August 18
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Premiere) (Episode 1)

Belle is smiling and peeking out from behind a tree. She is wearing a pink cape with white fur trim and a pink bow in her hair. The castle grounds are covered in snow.

Friday, August 19
Beauty and the Beast (1991) (Sing-Along Version)
Beauty and the Beast (2017) (Sing-Along Version)
Tangled (Sing-Along Version)

Michelle Obama smiles as Dre, played by Anthony Anderson, pours her a glass of white wine. She is seated opposite Bow, played by Tracee Ellis Ross, at the dinner table. On the table, there is a plate of salad, a stick of butter, salt and pepper shakers, and a floral arrangement.

Wednesday, August 24
black-ish (Season 8)
Chibi Tiny Tales (Shorts) (Season 2)
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Episode 305 “The Real Campers of Shallow Lake”)

Thursday, August 25
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Episode 2)

Friday, August 26
Doc McStuffins: The Doc Is 10!

Wednesday, August 31
America’s National Parks (Season 1)
Europe from Above (Season 2)
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Episode 306: “Color War”)
Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under (Season 3)
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Episode 3)

Play Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy with PC Game Pass and Raise Money for Charity

To celebrate Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy's arrival on PC Game Pass, they’re hosting a live playthrough of the game with Cosmo the Space Dog’s biggest fan—an adorable Labrador retriever named Milo. Tune into the Xbox Twitch channel on July 20 at 3 p.m. PDT to join their cosmic adventure and raise money for SPCA International!

Star-Lord’s famous cassette player and his orange foam headphones sit atop a white display box. Behind the cassette is a neon purple grid extending into a spacey blue abyss. The entire image has a retro, ’80s grain filter over it and the text “Portable Bipedal Frequency Streamer” sits above the cassette in pink and purple font.

When the pressure is on in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, there’s nothing more likely to make the Guardians come out swinging than a sweet mixtape of Star-Lord’s ’80s favorites. Starting today, you can enter their #TheGalaxyHasGuardians sweepstakes for a chance to win your very own cassette player, on which you can enjoy music from the Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Original Video Game Soundtrack.

For your chance to hold the Portable Bipedal Frequency Streamer in your hand, just follow @SPCAint on Twitter and follow the instructions posted on the PC Game Pass channel.

In the center of the image, there is white text that reads, “Win Your Own Flarkin’ Portable Bipedal Frequency Streamer.” Beneath the text, on the left is a skeleton hand holding a yellow and black device and on the right there is a yellow hand holding the same device. Between the two hands there is additional text reading, “To Enter use #TheGalaxyHasGuardians.”

You can play Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy today with PC Game Pass and lead the Guardians as Star-Lord. As the self-proclaimed leader of the Guardians, nothing is off limits with your bold combat style, from Element Blasters and jet boot-powered dropkicks to tag-team beat-downs. With the Guardians fighting at your side, you call the shots and overwhelm your opponents with signature attacks. Meanwhile, the consequences of your decisions will range from light-hearted to downright unexpected as your journey unfolds.

Milo the golden retriever sits on the left side of the image wearing a white spacesuit with a red puffy collar. White text to the right of him reads, “Cosmo’s Biggest Fan Goes Live. Watch Twitch.Tv/Xbox on July 20th | 3 PM PDT.” The background of the image is a red and pin swirling galaxy pattern.

Milo is ready to go live on July 20 to raise money for SPCA International (SPCAI), a global nonprofit working to advance the safety and wellbeing of animals everywhere. This organization works in over 70 countries to provide food, care, life-saving treatment, and transportation for animals in need. During PC Game Pass’ livestream, you’ll have the option to donate directly to SPCA International on Twitch via Tiltify. Learn more about SPCAI here.

“Game Pass Has PC Games”—and with PC Game Pass, you can play hundreds of high-quality PC games with friends including new day one titles and games from iconic franchises! With games added all the time, you always have something new to play. Join now to get your first month for $1.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is available now with PC Game Pass. Take it to the stars!

Disney On Broadway Invites D23 Expo 2022 Attendees Onstage to Watch Iconic Performances in Virtual Reality

By the D23 Team

For 28 years and across 10 titles, Disney On Broadway has been wowing audiences with adapted and original musicals that take us to faraway places and fantasy worlds. As if the theater experience wasn’t immersive enough already, Disney On Broadway is returning to D23 Expo 2022 with its popular show floor activation that allows attendees to take the stage themselves! 

Caissie Levy, performing as Elsa, emerges from a low fog, a curtain of crystals and snowflakes behind her. She looks to her right, with a slight smile on her face.

Disney On Broadway invites D23 Expo attendees to step onstage and immerse themselves in show-stopping performances from Aladdin, Frozen, and The Lion King in the Virtual Reality Theatre. Using virtual reality (VR) headsets, attendees can shimmy with the Genie in “Friend Like Me,” belt with Elsa in “Let It Go,” or sit back in awe as Pride Rock comes together for “Circle of Life.”

Can’t wait to be part of the show? You can enjoy Disney on Broadway’s VR experiences all three days of D23 Expo! Disney On Broadway’s Virtual Reality Theatre will be located on the D23 Expo Show-Room Floor. With 24 productions currently produced or licensed, a Disney musical is being performed professionally somewhere on the planet virtually every hour of the day—and at D23 Expo, you can in the middle of the performance! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.

A limited number of single-day tickets for Sunday of D23 Expo 2022 are available for $99 for one-day adult admission and $79 for children ages 3–12. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $89 for one-day Sunday adult admission. Single-day Friday and Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2022, visit D23Expo.com.

MORE EXPO NEWS

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

From a superstar baseball player to an aspiring politician and a family of undercover Super Heroes, this week’s content is chock-full of super humans! ESPN Films’ multi-part documentary series The Captain—which follows former New York Yankee Derek Jeter—debuts on Monday.   A brand-new episode of Only Murders in the Building launches Tuesday, and the trio is hot on the trail. The hit series grown-ish returns Wednesday night for its fifth season, followed by an episode of Everything’s Trash airing immediately after. Close out the workweek with a new episode of The Villains of Valley View, debuting on Friday.

Former MLB player Derek Jeter smiles as he sits in a gray chair in front of a blue backdrop in ESPN Films’ The Captain.

The Captain—Monday, July 18, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ESPN and ESPN+
The seven-part documentary series from ESPN Films chronicles the extraordinary life of Hall of Fame baseball player Derek Jeter, on and off the field. Watch exclusive, candid interviews with Jeter, his family, and dozens of former teammates, foes, and fans as they recall Jeter’s career with the New York Yankees and his cultural impact beyond the sports world. Episode one will debut simultaneously on ESPN and ESPN+ following the conclusion of the MLB All Star Home Run Derby, with new episodes debuting weekly. To read our exclusive interview with director Randy Wilkins, click here.

(L-R) Actors Selena Gomez and Disney Legend Steve Martin stare at a small piece of white paper with a blue emblem.

Only Murders in the Building—Tuesday, July 19, on Hulu
Episode five follows Mabel (Selena Gomez) as she hosts a party for an eclectic art crowd. The party also serves as the perfect setting for the trio to smoke out a liar in their midst. Will the threesome get one step closer to finding the murderer?

(L-R) Actor Marcus Scribner and Actress Yara Shahidi stand next to each other near a small bar, wearing all-white clothing at a white-themed party.

grown-ish—Wednesday, July 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
The highly anticipated fifth season is here, and a new Johnson family member is roaming the halls of Cal U! Junior (Marcus Scribner) is joined by his big sis, Zoey (Yara Shahidi), on his first day of school and soon escapes dorm life by attending a white-themed party. Meanwhile, Zoey’s visit stirs the feeling that she’s missing her Cal U days more than she’s willing to admit.

(L-R) Actors Moses Storm, Phoebe Robinson, and Toccarra Cash talk on the sidewalk of a treelined street.

Everything Is Trash—Wednesday, July 20, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Phoebe (Phoebe Robinson) and the gang canvass for signatures to get Jayden (Jordan Carlos) on the State Representative ballot. While on the campaign trail, Phoebe relies on the kindness of strangers, and Jayden and Jessie (Nneka Okafor) quickly realize they need to realign their priorities.

Isabella Pappas (left), Reed Horstmann (center), and Mariah Iman Wilson (right) stand in a junkyard as Wilson dons a brightly colored super hero ensemble.

The Villains of Valley View—Friday, July 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
Amy (Isabella Pappas) feels betrayed when she discovers Jake (Reed Horstmann) is hanging out with Starling (Mariah Iman Wilson). Meanwhile, Vic (James Patrick Stewart) attempts to fix Colby (Malachi Barton), but a mishap hilariously transforms Colby into an old man.

Enjoy Classic Disney Songs Performed in ASL for Disability Pride Month!

By Sarah Sterling

Celebrate Disability Pride Month this July by enjoying beautiful renditions of some of your favorite Disney songs performed in ASL (American Sign Language)! Disney Music has curated a playlist of performances by Deaf artists, nationally certified ASL interpreters, and coalitions like the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc., and Deaf West Theatre.

Deaf West Theatre describes themselves as “a group that engages artists and audiences in unparalleled theatre and media experiences inspired by Deaf culture and the expressive power of sign language, weaving ASL with spoken English to create a seamless ballet of movement and voice.” This is certainly true of these inspiring music videos!

Please enjoy “How Far I’ll Go” (originally performed by Auli’i Cravalho) from Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Moana, as performed by Sarah Tubert in collaboration with the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness:

See Disney Music’s entire ASL playlist here!